Nov 6 The Best Way to Seed a Pomegranate

Let’s be real. Pomegranates are downright intimidating—with their tough inedible exteriors, alien-like seed clusters, and dangerously messy juices. Is this strange looking fruit really all it’s cracked up to be? Are those little seeds really worth all the effort? Will I be able to get them out with my dignity and white shirt intact?!

The answer is yes, yes, and probably yes. Pomegranates are the darling of fall fruit, and for good reason. The hundreds of seeds called arils hidden within that thick skin are beautiful, bright and bursting with flavor. Small but mighty, they pack a punch. Whether sprinkled over roasted veggies, tossed in a festive salad, or floating in fall-flavored spritzers, pomegranate seeds are the season’s edible confetti. Their bright ruby red hue and juicy, crunchy texture add flair to every dish.

Pomegranates are so versatile because they toe the line between tart and sweet, making them perfect for both savory and sweet applications. Depending on the degree of ripeness, seeds will fall on a spectrum of slightly sour to fairly sharp (think ripe cherries vs. raw cranberries).

Amidst the holiday season’s endless stream of gravy and butter, pomegranates provide a welcome balance. They’re among the healthiest fruits on the planet, loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Pomegranates are rich in punicalagins and punicic acid which help reduce inflammation and even lower blood pressure. Both the seeds and their juice deliver these benefits—there’s no wrong way to enjoy a pomegranate. Here’s to guilt-free-pomegranate-supplemented feasting!

There are multiple methods out there for opening and seeding pomegranates, all with varying levels of success/mess. After trying them all, we found a foolproof way to do it without the fuss, stress, or water:

Step One: Cut off the top.

Step two: Cut along the pomegranates natural segments––where you see the white membrane––steering clear of arils.

Step three: Over a bowl, gently separate the segments by pulling apart with your fingers, until you have what resembles a flower. Pull out the core.

Step four: Break segments into individual pieces.

Step five: With a gentle grip, hold a piece of pomegranate. Relieve some holiday stress as you whack each segment with the back of a wooden spoon. The arils will fall through your fingers into the bowl.

Step six: Garnish everything with pomegranate seeds. Accept the love and admiration of your friends and family. You did it. You have tackled the pomegranate!